WJC REVIEW: Bronze medal on par with expectation for Team Russia
After a disappointing showing in the 2018 tournament, the Russians got back to the podium for the 2019 edition as they defeated Team Switzerland 5-2 in the bronze medal game. It is the eighth medal in nine years for the Russians, although they have won just one gold in that span, in Buffalo in 2011.
BY ALESSANDRO SEREN ROSSO, MCKEEN’S HOCKEY
Different from last year, Russia didn’t have many roster questions before the tournament as the staff called most of their best players, snubbing some from the CHL who didn’t have a strong show at the November Canada-Russia Series. The only real loss for the Russians from that group was Ivan Chekhovich. The QMJHL star was not in perfect shape, and thus head coach Valeri Bragin decided to do without him. The team would probably have needed a center more, and considering that the team had enough firepower, the loss of Chekhovich wasn’t a game-changer for the Russians.
As usual for Bragin’s teams, the roster featured a good number of talented, sometimes undersized players, balanced with some high-energy players more suited for a bottom-six role. The most anticipated player on the roster was New York Rangers’ prospect Vitali Kravtsov. In the tournament, the Russian forward alternated between peaks and troughs. With two goals and six points through seven games, his tournament can’t be called a disaster, but he failed to play at the level he was expected to. In part, this can be explained by the fact that he was used as number one center, and it was probably too much for him to handle. Playing in the middle, he had the puck on his stick for a lot of ice time, contributing to mistakes at times. Those mistakes brought some additional pressure that may explain why he couldn’t score in the semifinals against the USA despite a few clear-cut chances that a player of his caliber is expected to convert. However, he had some good moments too, such as the great pass to Grigori Denisenko for the 1-1 goal in the New Year’s Eve game against Team Canada. Kravtsov showed a few great glimpses in the tournament, but he needs to be more consistent, and he is probably best utilized on the wing.
The aforementioned Grigori Denisenko had a better tournament overall. Not only was he the WJC’s top scorer, producing four goals and nine points, he was also awarded Best Forward honors. Denisenko was instrumental to the team’s success and showed much more maturity – in this case,his time in the KHL was probably to his advantage. In this tournament, Denisenko cemented his position as a blue-chip prospect and showed the Panthers that he couldalso score while playing at a high level.
Another player who had a superb tournament was Alexander Romanov. The Montreal Canadiens’ second-round pick had an exceptional WJC at both ends of the ice and was awarded Best Defenseman honors. He topped the entire tournament in plus/minus and assists, and all defensemen in points as his name appeared eight times on the scoresheets. Romanov’s classy and calm play was an example to his teammates and a joy for the Canadiens’ scouts and fans. Considering how well he is playing in the KHL and his WJC, it is not out of the question to think that he has what it takes to join the Habs when his KHL deal runs out in 2020. The Russians allowed only one goal throughout the entire tournament while Romanov was on the ice.
Another player who made a strong argument for himself was Klim Kostin. The St. Louis Blues’ prospect had a few controversial moments with the fans, but he played very well, scoring six points in seven games while captaining his team to the bronze medal. He displayed many good traits, but he needs to be less emotional and focus more on the game. Kostin is improving, and next year he may have a chance to play at the NHL level.
The tournament’s pleasant surprise for the Russians was perhaps Kirill Slepets. The native of Khabarovsk, Russia was probably the fastest player in either Vancouver or Victoria and he had tons of breakaway opportunities throughout the tournament. Slepets scored five times, including a hat-trick in the bronze medal game, and finished the WJC with seven points. He is an exciting player, with tons of speed, soft hands, and a great attitude, and he certainly made heads turn at the tournament, increasing his stock in advance of the upcoming NHL Entry Draft. Additionally, Pavel Shen and Alexander Alexeyev both played well for the Russians, and both are deserving of more attentionin the future. With regards to overage, undrafted players, Nikita Shashkov and Pyotr Kochetkov probably were the best of the pack. Sibir Novosibirsk forward Shashkov showed great energy throughout the tournament and had a solid five points in five games. Kochetkov was incredible between the pipes and was awarded Best Goalie honors after continuing his great play from the Canada-Russia series. It is not unrealistic to think that both players – especially Kochetkov – will be drafted next June.
Much was expected from 2019 eligible Vasili Podkolzin. The forward had an excellent tournament, and while he was not a key player for his team, he certainly delivered a very strong contribution and showed many glimpses of great potential. He didn’t score, but had three assists and played on the powerplay, both rarities in what is often considered to be a tournament for 19-year-olds, cementing his stock as a top prospect for the upcoming NHL draft.
More was expected from Colorado Avalanche’s prospect Nikolai Kovalenko. Unfortunately for the Russians, he picked up an early injury and his role and proficiency was limited. Kovalenko has tons of potential, but for one reason or another, he failed to show his best game in Vancouver. He is having a good season in the KHL and he has plenty of time to turn things around.
With plenty of players returning for next year’s tournament and solid depth, expect the Russians to battle for medals again next year as the WJC moves to the Czech Republic for the 2020 edition.
